A car accident can be a devastating and life-altering incident. One minute, you’re driving and minding your own business, and the next, you’re dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and an insurance company that doesn’t have your best interest at heart. Working with an experienced Menominee car accident attorney can save you from the added stress of handling the complicated process of seeking compensation. This gives you the time and space to focus on your healing.

According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, Menominee reported 104 car accidents in a recent year. Many of these crashes resulted in serious or fatal injuries, allowing victims to step outside the state’s no-fault insurance system to pursue compensation from the responsible party. Even minor accidents can lead to lasting medical, financial, and emotional burdens.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Menominee car accident due to someone else’s negligence, Schwaba Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced attorneys will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Whether you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident, a head-on collision, or a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to fight for compensation alone. We know the tactics the auto insurance company will use to avoid paying you, and we know how to beat them. Call (906) 424-4661 today to get started with a free case review with a dedicated Menominee car accident attorney.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Michigan

Car accidents in Michigan occur for many reasons. While some crashes happen due to unavoidable circumstances, most stem from careless driver behaviors. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

  • Distracted or drowsy driving
  • Speeding
  • Drunk or impaired driving
  • Reckless or aggressive driving
  • Failure to yield
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Tailgating
  • Improper lane changes
  • Wrong-way driving
  • Inexperienced or unlicensed drivers

Not all accidents result solely or even primarily from driver negligence. Poorly designed roads, inadequate signage, and malfunctioning traffic signals can contribute to crashes. Vehicle issues like faulty brakes or tire blowouts may also play a role. Other accidents result from inclement weather and unsafe road conditions. Understanding the factors that can cause or contribute to accidents can help your Michigan personal injury attorney determine who’s liable for your injuries and losses.

Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Laws Explained

Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits regardless of who caused the accident. This system is designed to help accident victims secure prompt compensation without having to file a personal injury lawsuit against another driver. Drivers must also carry liability insurance for injuries or damage they cause to others.

Under Michigan’s no-fault law, PIP benefits cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, up to three years of lost wages, and replacement services for daily tasks an injured person cannot perform. Policyholders can choose their level of medical coverage, ranging from unlimited lifetime benefits to lower coverage options.

While your no-fault benefits cover your economic losses resulting from a crash, they don’t compensate you for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses. However, if you suffer an injury that meets Michigan’s legal threshold for serious injury, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver for additional compensation.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Michigan car accidents come in many types, each of which presents unique legal and insurance challenges. The type of collision often depends on factors such as speed, road conditions, and the involved drivers’ actions. Some of the different types of car accidents we handle at Schwaba Law Firm include:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Head-on collisions
  • T-bone (side-impact) crashes
  • Sideswipe accidents
  • Multi-vehicle pileups
  • Single-vehicle crashes
  • Rollover accidents
  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Intersection accidents
  • Highway crashes
  • Parking lot accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Accidents involving bicyclists
  • Work zone crashes
  • Commercial truck accidents
  • Accidents involving motorcyclists

No matter the cause of your crash, we will determine liability and fight for justice on your behalf.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Car accident injury victims in Michigan may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the crash. The amount and type of compensation available depends on factors such as the available insurance coverage, the number of liable parties and their respective share of fault, and the extent of injuries and damage.

While Michigan’s no-fault insurance system covers certain expenses and losses, you may be eligible for additional compensation in cases involving serious injury. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Emergency medical bills and ongoing treatment costs, including future medical care and rehabilitation costs
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress
  • Vehicle repairs and other property damage
  • Replacement services
  • Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one

Our attorneys will calculate the full extent of your losses to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Menominee

It’s important to understand what to do after a car accident in Menominee. Taking the right steps can significantly impact your claim. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear.
  2. Gather Evidence: Take pictures of the scene, including any damage to your vehicle, gather witness information, and obtain a copy of the police report. Make sure to exchange information with the other driver, including license plate and insurance information.
  3. Notify Your Insurance Company: Since Michigan is a no-fault state, you’ll need to contact your own insurance company right away so you can initiate your claim. Stick to the basic facts without admitting fault or speculating on what caused the crash.
  4. Document Everything: Keep documentation of all your expenses, including medical bills and car repairs. You should also document the various ways the accident has affected you, including pain levels, emotional distress, and the impact on your work life.
  5. Contact a Lawyer: Although your insurance company is responsible for covering your expenses, it’s essential to seek legal advice to ensure you’re fighting for all the compensation you deserve. A Menominee personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and handle insurance negotiations on your behalf.

The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Menominee Car Accident Claim?

For over a decade, Schwaba Law Firm has been fighting for the rights of car accident victims in Michigan and Wisconsin. Attorneys Andrew J. Schwaba and Thomas P. Schwaba bring over 40 years of combined legal experience and have secured millions of dollars for injured clients.

At Schwaba Law Firm, our attorneys are here to fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Not only can we bring substantial experience dealing with insurance claims and provide you with car crash legal advice, but we also offer:

  • Free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case
  • 24/7 availability to answer your questions when you need us most
  • Dedicated personal injury representation, with a focus on car accident claims
  • Proven experience against insurance companies and pursuing the compensation you’re owed
  • Top-rated client service backed by 5-star reviews
  • No upfront fees, and you only pay if we win your case

Our firm is known for:

  • Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique case
  • Thorough investigations to identify all liable parties
  • Strong negotiation skills to maximize settlements
  • Aggressive courtroom representation when necessary

Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery.

How We Win Car Accident Cases

Our attorneys use a comprehensive approach to maximize compensation for our clients. This includes:

  • Evidence Collection: Gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements
  • Accident Reconstruction: Consulting experts to determine fault and the severity of injuries
  • Insurance Negotiations: Challenging insurers’ attempts to undervalue or deny your claim
  • Litigation Support: Filing lawsuits and representing you in court when necessary

We leave no stone unturned in securing the compensation you deserve.

To quote from one of our testimonials:

I cannot say enough good about this law firm. Andy made us feel like family. He was there at our side every moment. Never did we feel like a client. He fought for us as if we were his own family. I don’t know what I would have done without him. He is not just a great lawyer. He is a good man. I would definitely go to him again. I just pray I never have to need him ever again but if I do I will be confident he will get the job done.

Results That Matter

  • $2.75 million – Class Action Lawsuit
  • $2.25 million – Wrongful Death Action
  • $1.3 million – Insurance Bad Faith

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some common questions we receive about Menominee car accident claims.

Do I need a car accident lawyer if I was rear-ended in Menominee?

It’s not required by law, but it can be helpful to hire an experienced car accident attorney after being rear-ended in Menominee. For one thing, the driver who rear-ended you is not automatically liable for a collision, despite what you might assume. Though drivers generally must yield to cars in front of them, the other driver might argue that you caused the crash by braking abruptly, having a brake light out, or being distracted. Car accident victims may have a harder time proving that the other driver caused the collision without legal assistance.

What should I do if I was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Menominee?

Follow these steps if a driver hits you in Menominee and flees the scene:

  • Call Authorities: Report the accident immediately, especially if you or anyone else suffered injuries.
  • Stay at the Scene: Do not attempt to follow the other driver. Doing so might lead to an altercation, cause another crash, or confuse investigators as to who is at fault.
  • Write Down Details: Record everything you remember about the fleeing vehicle, such as its color, make, model, license plate, or direction of travel. Provide this information to investigating officers.
  • Talk to Witnesses: Ask anyone who saw the crash for their contact information and a brief description of what they observed.
  • Take Photos: Use your phone to document the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and any other relevant details that might help investigators.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company: Let your provider know you were involved in a hit-and-run. Failure to do so could jeopardize your no-fault and optional insurance coverages.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if your car accident injuries don’t seem serious at the time, injury symptoms can present themselves later. Preserve your medical records and follow your doctor’s instructions.
  • Contact a Lawyer: A hit-and-run lawyer can help you understand your rights and handle your legal case while you focus on healing.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Michigan?

In Michigan, you usually have three years from the crash date to file a car accident lawsuit. While certain circumstances could extend or shorten this timeline, it’s best not to wait, as a court could dismiss your case as untimely filed if you miss the relevant deadline.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Menominee, MI?

Most auto accident attorneys, including those at Schwaba Law Firm, work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay any upfront fees. Instead, your car accident attorney collects their fee from a portion of whatever compensation they recover on your behalf.

Can I still file a claim if the car accident was partially my fault?

Yes, you can still file a claim if you believe you were partially at fault for the crash. Your no-fault auto insurance is your first option for recovering compensation, regardless of who caused the crash or your level of fault. If you exhaust your no-fault coverage, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver if you can show your injuries meet specific thresholds under state law. However, be aware that, under Michigan law, a court will reduce any compensation it awards you at trial in proportion to any percentage of fault it assigns you for the crash. So, if you’re 30 percent at fault, you would lose 30 percent of your compensation from your car accident case. If you are more than 50 percent at fault for the car crash, you cannot receive compensation for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Menominee Car Accident Attorney

A serious car accident can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Menominee, get the legal representation you need to fight for justice and compensation. Schwaba Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights, maximize your compensation, and help you make your life whole again. Call (906) 424-4661 today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Menominee car accident lawyer. Call now!